§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy with regard to the future of maternity units dealing with fewer than 500 births per year; and whether he has taken recent trends in perinatal mortality rates into account.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe general policy is to provide as resources permit for all deliveries to be in consultant obstetric units with a full range of facilities. Health authorities are encouraged to phase out other units but this depends on the availability of better alternative provision. The future of each small maternity unit has to be considered on its merits taking account of all relevant information.